1920 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Holding the primary DDO designation for its date, the 1920 Buffalo Nickel WDDO-001 displays a Class IV offset hub doubling spread on the digits 20 of the date on James Earle Fraser's obverse. Class IV doubling occurs when the hub shifts laterally between impressions, producing a uniform offset across the affected area — in this case creating secondary contours alongside the 2 and 0 that are detectable under moderate magnification. Die markers provide important confirmation: a die clash impression appears below the chin of the Native American portrait on the obverse, and three short die scratches are visible to the right of the upper portion of the nose. On the reverse, a die clash impression appears below the word PLURIBUS. These clashing marks indicate the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them at some point during production, leaving transferred impressions from the opposing design. Attributed by the Wexler Team under variety ID 1920 5c WDDO-001, no cross-references to other attribution systems are currently known. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams. Focus examination on the 20 in the date for the offset secondary contours, and verify the die clash below the chin and the three die scratches beside the nose.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kendall Hall. Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1920 5¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References